'A long time coming' - Goal.com's World Player of the Week Chris Wondolowski

World Player of the Week

Chris Wondolowski

AGE

30

POSITION

Striker

PLAYS FOR

United States

WEEK IN NUMBERS

APPS (GOALS SCORED)

2 (5)

TIME ON PITCH

122

PREVIOUS WINS

0

Belize

1-6

United States

United States

4-1

Cuba

Chris Wondolowski's surname was spelt incorrectly on the jersey he was given for the United States' Gold Cup clash with Belize. The 30-year-old forward shrugged it off - he's more commonly known as 'Wondo' for a reason - but the typo (a third 'w') seemed somewhat apt.

Despite establishing himself as one of the MLS' most lethal marksman over the past couple of seasons, Wondolowski has never been one of the first names on Jurgen Klinsmann's team sheet, so perhaps it was hardly surprising that the kit man had erred.

However, Wondolowski has certainly made a name for himself on the international stage over the past week, with the San Jose Earthquakes striker netting a stunning first-half hat-trick in the 6-1 demolition of Belize.

Wondolowski was benched for the Americans' next outing against Cuba, thus underlining the enormity of the challenge he has in forcing his way into Jurgen Klinsmann's thinking for next year's World Cup. However, the attacker - who opted to keep his lucky extra 'w', only this time stitched onto the interior lining of the jersey - responded in the best possible fashion, netting twice after being thrown on as a substitute just before the hour mark.

"Having his club form translate to the international level has been a long time coming for Wondolowski, the reigning MLS Most Valuable Player, after a 27-goal 2012 season with the San Jose Earthquakes," GoalUSA's Avi Creditor acknowledged.

"However, should he keep up this productivity against stronger opposition, he will force his way back into the discussion of which forwards would be World Cup-worthy, provided, of course, that the USA continues its run through CONCACAF and qualifies for Brazil 2014."

Congratulations to Chris Wondolowski, Goal's 218th World Player of the Week winner!

The Shortlist

Ronaldinho - Atletico Mineiro

@LeeRoden89: "What a pass from Ronaldinho! All in the mind."

Goal's Dan Edwards: "Set up Bernard for Atletico's opener against Newell's Old Boys before scoring a crucial penalty."